Southern conservative coming out - success

I was on the verge of failing out of medical school 9, 10 months ago. I'll spare you most details, but a lot of shit happened in my life. I was at the end of my rope, and I had to relieve one of my major sources of stress by coming out to my parents.

I was terrified of telling my father. He's a Bible thumper and so right-wing it's startling. When I told him the day after Christmas, he made me feel better about myself, but still didn't say much. I just got this email a couple days ago, and it stopped me in my tracks.

Not every guy is as lucky as I am, but I hope this lets other guys out there know that your parents aren't always the people you think they are.

"Dear [me],

I want to tell you just how much I admire you. It’s not often that a man can say that with consistency about all the things his son has done. I am proud to be able to call you my son.

Since the day you first opened your eyes on this planet, you have blessed us. And now you are the one who has opened my eyes, and I want to thank you for it. Without you, I never would have seen my ignorance and disrespect. I have a whole new way of seeing others, and I owe it to you. I regret that you could not come to me sooner when going through your darkest hour, and I feel sure that was because of my stubborn beliefs and attitudes. You are the stronger one.

Two things are for real and will not change. God’s love for us both, and my love for you, my son. DAD."